Method and apparatus for coating balloon catheters

Abstract

A coating apparatus for coating the balloon portion of a balloon catheter is described. The coating apparatus includes a rotatable member in which the catheter portion of the balloon catheter is mounted and fixed, and which causes rotation of the balloon catheter. The apparatus also includes a support member in which the distal tip of the catheter is inserted and free to rotate; and a spray nozzle directing sprayed material on the balloon surface. The inventive configuration of the coating apparatus allows the balloon catheter to be rotated along its axis with insubstantial or no wobble, which significantly improves the quality of the coating applied to the surface of the balloon.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]The present non-provisional patent application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application having Ser. No. 61 / 188,929, filed on Aug. 14, 2008, and titled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR COATING BALLOON CATHETERS, wherein the entirety of said provisional patent application is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The invention relates to a spray coating apparatus and methods for disposing a coating material on a medical device surface.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Functional improvements to implantable or insertable medical devices can be achieved by coating the surface of the device. For example, a coating formed on the surface of the device can provide improved lubricity, improved biocompatibility, or drug delivery properties to the surface. In turn, this can improve movement of the device in the body, extend the functional life of the device, or treat a medical condition near the si...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is about a device and method for coating medical devices, particularly balloon catheters, with a coating material. The device includes a rotatable member and a support member, which can hold the catheter in a fixed position while it is rotated. The rotatable member has a distal end and a proximal end, and a central axis that aligns with the rotatable member. The apparatus also includes a spray nozzle that can apply the coating material to the balloon surface while it is rotated. The apparatus allows for precise positioning and uniform rotation of the balloon catheter with respect to the spray head, resulting in a more uniform coating. The apparatus is also advantageous in that it allows for rapid loading and removal of pre-inflated balloon catheters without coiling or kinking the catheter portions.

Problems solved by technology

However, various challenges exist for the design and use of coating apparatus designed to provide coatings to medical devices.

Traditional coating methods, such as dip coating, are often undesirable as they may result in flawed coatings that could compromise the function of the device or present problems during use.

These methods can also result in coating inaccuracies, which can be manifested in variable amounts of the coated material being deposited on the surface of the device.

It has been difficult to achieve a great degree of accuracy using traditional coating methods and machines.

As another challenge, implantable or insertable medical devices are typically small and often have unusual, complex configurations.

As a general matter, the handing of these devices in an appropriate manner during a coating procedure is often challenging.

It is often difficult to fixture and manipulate the devices so they receive a desired coating of material.

It is also often difficult to prevent the coating apparatus and method from introducing defects into the formed coating.

The balloon is then inflated when the catheter reaches target site resulting in application of mechanical force sufficient to cause vessel dilation.

Applicants have found that the complex design of a balloon catheter has made the balloon portion of the catheter difficult to coat.

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